His plane was due to touch- down at Heathrow at 8am, to be greeted by family members, supporters and the UK media.

Mr Stillman's release follows a two-year campaign supported by Guildford Cathedral and local people including Sue Doughty, MP for Guildford.

The 52-year-old, who is deaf, diabetic and has an artificial leg, was arrested in August 2000 when Indian police stopped a taxi he was travelling in and found 20kg of cannabis, about which Mr Stillman insists he knew nothing. He was given a 10-year sentence.

Human rights groups in the UK described his trial as the worst ever miscarriage of justice. It was impossible for him to follow what was happening during his trial as the judge refused to believe he was deaf.

He also said he was forced to sign documents he did not understand. But despite his relief at being back with his three sisters in England for Christmas, Mr Stillman is disappointed he will not be able to continue his work in India.

He has lived there for 30 years and set up Christian charities to help India's deaf. Mr Stillman's younger sister, Elspeth Dugdale, told the Surrey Advertiser:

"It's brilliant news that Ian has been released and he is loving his freedom. But there is a downside, which is that he feels he's being forced to leave India, which has been his home all his working life since he was 22. It will be a big upheaval for him."

Mr Stillman's exile from India was part of a deal struck between the UK Foreign Office and the Indian Government. Mr Stillman, who attended the old Guildford College of Art and Design for more than four years, was released from prison on health grounds, on the condition he leaves the country.

A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office told the Surrey Advertiser: "We're very grateful the Indian Government has agreed to Ian's release on health grounds.

"This is something we've been pressing for at a high level for some time. However, one criteria attached to the release was that he does leave India."

There are still calls for the Indian Government to go one step further and grant a full acquittal. Ms Doughty said: "I'm sure all those who campaigned for Ian's release will be grateful for this intervention.

But Ian will still want to clear his name and there are important questions the British Government must ensure the Indian authorities address."

Mr Stillman was released on Saturday from his prison cell in the Himalayan foothills, where he health was said to be deteriorating. He has spent the last week with his family at the British High Commission in New Delhi.